Taking direction (not just being an indicator)

Photo Randy Vanderveen, east of Grande Prairie A weather vane is silhouetted against the colours of a new day dawning in the South Peace.

I have always admired this weather vane east of Grande Prairie, Alberta on SH 670 at the Wales' family farm.

The colours of a new day add an even more compelling look.

However, after shooting the weather vane I started to do some thinking.

How often are we like this cowboy?

He isn't going anywhere on his own accord. The only direction he and his mount point is where the wind last blew him.

He isn't in control of his movements and he is only an indicator. If we climb a ladder and change his position manually, doesn't mean we are changing the way the wind blows.

It is much better if we are locked onto where God wants us and, while the winds of life can roar around us, we aren't switching directions with every little breeze.

The weather vane mentality can also creep up in photography both for amateurs and professionals.

Often we change our focus (if you will pardon the pun) based upon the newest trend in the photo magazines or on a photo blog. (Experimenting with new photography trends and techniques is fine as long as it is what you want and not that you feel forced into it. After all trying something new helps us grow creatively.)

It can be as simple as ignoring shooting what we enjoy to shoot what someone else says is best.

That doesn't mean not completing projects for clients the way they want them. They are after all paying the bills.

However, take the time to shoot for yourself once in a while — whether it is abstracts, nature or still lifes.

If you don't, soon your photography will be spinning in the winds of trends instead of allowing you to express yourself the way you want.